Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_30.gif)
Wednesday - July 10, 2013
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Region: California
Topic: Soils, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Plants for heavy clay in Sonoma County, California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi, I live in Northern California, Sonoma County, and would like to transition my front garden into mostly native plants. Trouble is, my soil is clay, yicky, heavy clay, and some of the natives I've tried before haven't survived. Any suggestions on what might like and thrive in clay soil in Sonoma County? Thanks.ANSWER:
Below are plants that are native to Sonoma County and that will tolerate clay soil.
Artemisia californica (Coastal sagebrush) is an evergreen shrub and will grow in clay. Here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery in Escondido and Santa Margarita, CA.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa (Eastwood's manzanita) is an evergreen shrub and will grow in clay. Here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Arctostaphylos manzanita (Whiteleaf manzanita) is an evergreen shrub or small tree and will grow in clay. Here are photos and more information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Cercis orbiculata [syn. = C. occidentalis] (California redbud) is a flowering shrub or small tree. Here is ore information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Diplacus aurantiacus (Orange bush monkeyflower) is a perennial that will grow in clay. Here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Eriodictyon californicum (California yerba santa) is a perennial that will is clay. Here are more photos and information from Las Pilitas Nursery and CalPhotos University of California-Berkeley.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that till tolerate clay soil. Here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery and from Sonoma County Master Gardeners.
You might also like to contact the Milo Baker Chapter of the California Native Plant Society about native plants that grow well in Sonoma County clay soil. Sonoma County Master Gardeners also has a list of native plants that grow well in Sonoma County.
From the Image Gallery
More Soils Questions
Need suggestions for planting trees in poor soils in Austin, TX
February 27, 2015 - Due to the clay soils and poor drainage in East Austin, what ornamental trees do you normally suggest?
view the full question and answer
Plants tolerant of high levels of sodium and sulfur
June 26, 2013 - I would appreciate suggestions for small shrubs and flowering plants that can survive the sodic soil conditions and western sun exposure of my front beds. We have had great difficulty finding anything...
view the full question and answer
Patience for slow-growing Baptisia
July 07, 2004 - I have three different varieties of well established Baptisia that I have had for several years ... none of them bloom. One of my plants got a very small flower in April, but just pooped out after th...
view the full question and answer
Lupines annual or perennial in Zone 4b from Austin
November 08, 2012 - Are lupines treated as perennials or annuals in Zone 4b (Northeast) if they are planted in the ground? Will other native species of lupines grow in a region they are not native to? Any recommendations...
view the full question and answer
How will my Texas Mountain Laurel survive clay soil?
June 09, 2009 - Mr. Smarty Pants:
I live in a new neighborhood (brownfield site) in Central Austin where the developers have put fill in the yards. After not much more than 2 inches of topsoil you encounter fairl...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |